West Ham have confirmed the signing of a new goalkeeper from Paris Saint-Germain on a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season.
The search for a new goalkeeper is over for the Hammers. Alphonse Areola has joined them on a one-year loan deal from Paris Saint-Germain. The club has announced that the French goalkeeper joins the squad with the option to make the deal permanent as soon as the season is over.
Alphonse Areola is a 28-year-old goalkeeper with a number of titles to his name, including four Ligue 1 titles and one La Liga. Additionally, Areola was included in the French squad that conquered the World Cup back in 2018. Following a successful spell at Fulham, the French goalkeeper now returns to the Premier League to wear the Hammers’ badge.
“I’m happy,” said Areola. “Obviously the Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world so I really enjoyed it last season. It was tough for me and for the team, but I enjoyed playing in the Premier League. We were without the fans, but this year we will have the fans back so I can’t wait to see the atmosphere.”
The World Cup champion will prove to be a big competitor against West Ham’s usual starter Lukasz Fabianski. The Polish goalkeeper featured a total of 37 times for the Hammers last season. Now, Fabianski will have to continue to prove his worth if he wishes to continue being David Moyes’ first choice for goal.
“As we prepare for a very busy schedule, he will provide fantastic competition for the goalkeepers already at the football club. We are going to need to use our squad to ensure we compete to the best of our abilities across all competitions,” said West Ham’s manager.
“We’ve been aware of his qualities for a long time and we have no doubt he will be another player and character who will enhance our squad. We welcome Alphonse to West Ham United and look forward to working with him.”
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